This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread offers the perfect balance of soft, moist banana flavor with a warm, sweet cinnamon sugar ribbon running throughout. Each slice reveals an inviting marbled pattern that promises both comforting aroma and delightful taste.
Ideal for breakfast, a midday snack, or even a light dessert, this banana bread brings the cozy essence of homemade baking to your table. The cinnamon swirl adds a subtle spice that elevates the simple loaf into something truly special perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying alongside your favorite cup of coffee or tea.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg, beaten
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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1/4 cup brown sugar
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
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In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.
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In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and brown sugar to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
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Pour half of the banana bread batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon mixture.
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Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter to create a marbled effect.
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Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent with foil.
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Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 65 minutes | Total Time: 80 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per slice | Servings: 10 servings
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite
Banana bread is one of those nostalgic treats that almost every home baker tries at least once. Whether you’re aiming to use up overripe bananas or looking for a cozy, comforting bake, banana bread rarely disappoints. But what if we told you that there’s a version of this classic that introduces a decadent cinnamon-sugar swirl and a sweet vanilla glaze, turning this humble loaf into something truly spectacular?
That’s exactly what Sally McKenney achieves in her highly praised Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread recipe, featured on her celebrated baking blog, Sally’s Baking Addiction. Originally published in 2012 and refreshed with new photography and baking tips in 2023, this recipe has garnered attention and love from both new bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Let’s explore what makes this banana bread so special and why it might just become your new go-to recipe for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions.
A Fusion of Familiar Comfort and Surprise Indulgence
What sets this recipe apart is its fusion of two beloved flavor experiences: the familiar taste and texture of moist banana bread, and the warm, slightly spicy swirl of cinnamon-sugar found in coffee cakes or cinnamon rolls. It’s the kind of combination that feels both comforting and indulgent a perfect harmony of everyday baking and a dessert-worthy twist.
Instead of merely sprinkling cinnamon on top or mixing it into the batter, Sally creates a distinct ribbon of cinnamon-sugar in the middle of the loaf. When sliced, this results in an aesthetically beautiful and flavorful surprise, showcasing a visual and textural contrast that excites both the eye and the palate.
What Makes This Banana Bread Stand Out?
1. Moist Texture Without Excess Butter
Sally smartly reduces the amount of butter in this recipe compared to her traditional banana bread because the cinnamon-sugar swirl and icing already bring added richness. Instead of relying on butter for moisture, she incorporates Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and, of course, ripe bananas. This creates a tender, almost cake-like crumb without making the loaf greasy or overly rich.
2. Less Sugar, Yet More Flavor
One might expect that a swirl of sugar and an icing drizzle would call for reducing sweetness elsewhere and that’s exactly what this recipe does. The overall sugar content in the batter is lower than in traditional banana bread, which balances the sweetness of the cinnamon layer and vanilla icing beautifully. This equilibrium makes it taste flavorful without feeling overpowering or cloying.
3. Customizable and Versatile
What’s particularly useful is how adaptable the recipe is. Sally provides tips for ingredient substitutions, including using whole wheat flour for a more wholesome option, and even frozen bananas if fresh ones aren’t available. She also offers muffin variations and storage tips, making it a flexible option for busy home bakers.
The Art of the Cinnamon Swirl
The defining feature of this banana bread is, of course, the cinnamon swirl. Sally emphasizes simplicity in this step: after placing half the batter in the loaf pan, a layer of cinnamon-sugar is added, then topped with the remaining batter. A simple swirl using a knife transforms it into an artisanal-style bake.
It’s important not to over-swirling, Sally cautions, or you’ll lose the distinctive ribbon effect. This swirl not only adds flavor but creates a beautiful marbled interior once the loaf is sliced, adding to its visual appeal and making it an ideal choice for entertaining or gifting.
Icing on the Loaf: Vanilla Drizzle
If the cinnamon swirl adds intrigue, the vanilla icing provides the finishing touch. Sally encourages not skipping this step it’s more than a garnish. Made with powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract, the icing elevates the loaf from a breakfast or snack item to something resembling a dessert.
While optional, the icing truly enhances the cinnamon flavor and adds a contrasting smooth texture to the top of the bread. For anyone with a sweet tooth or those preparing this for a brunch spread, it’s worth the extra step.
Community Praise and Real-World Feedback
Sally’s recipes are known for their reliability and crowd-pleasing results, and this one is no different. Comments on the blog are filled with glowing testimonials. One reader, Erin, shared that even her two teenage sons and husband couldn’t stop devouring it. Others have praised its “unbelievable” flavor and moist texture, even when the icing is omitted.
Another enthusiastic home baker went a step further by adding chopped apples to the batter a modification that adds extra texture and a fruity contrast to the cinnamon and banana. This speaks to how approachable and forgiving the recipe is, encouraging personalization without compromising quality.
Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly
One of the most convenient features of this recipe is how well it stores and freezes. Sally notes that the loaf can be frozen (preferably without the icing) for up to three months. When thawed, it remains moist and flavorful, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeks or planned events.
It’s also ideal for batch baking. Because the bread doesn’t dry out easily, you can prepare multiple loaves in one go some for now, and others for the freezer. This practical aspect makes it great for gift-giving, school lunches, or keeping on hand for unexpected guests.
Why This Recipe Reflects Modern Home Baking
In many ways, this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread encapsulates the current trend in home baking: creating comforting, nostalgic recipes with a fresh twist. It leverages staple pantry ingredients bananas, flour, eggs, cinnamon but layers them in a way that feels new and indulgent.
It also demonstrates the rise of “hybrid baking,” where recipes borrow elements from multiple types of baked goods. Here, we see the warmth of banana bread meeting the aesthetics and technique of cinnamon rolls and iced loaf cakes. The result is a dish that can be served at breakfast or dessert, bridging different occasions with ease.
Conclusion:
Sally McKenney has created more than just a variation on banana bread she’s crafted a recipe that blends simplicity, elegance, and irresistible flavor. With its stunning cinnamon swirl, soft and moist texture, and delightful vanilla icing, Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is perfect for anyone seeking to elevate a traditional favorite into something special.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your baking journey, this recipe provides enough flexibility and guidance to guarantee success. It invites experimentation while maintaining a strong foundational structure, so no matter how you choose to personalize it, you’re likely to end up with a winning loaf.